22 January 2016
Beijing’s small businesses confident, innovative and tech
savvy
New survey data released today by CPA Australia shows Beijing’s small business sector is maintaining a positive
economic outlook, with a strong focus on innovation, e-commerce and business management – all key drivers of
economic growth.
The findings, from CPA Australia’s annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey, follow extensive surveying of nearly
3,000 small business operators in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand
and four major cities from the mainland of China, including Beijing.
CPA Australia chief executive Alex Malley says the survey results show there is real strength in the small business
sector in Beijing, with confidence higher than it was last year and appearing set to continue for some time.
“Beijing’s small businesses have had a successful 12 months, with 76 per cent of respondents reporting that they
grew over this period,” Malley says.
“Looking to 2016, the results are even more positive, with 78 per cent of small businesses expecting to grow in the
year ahead.
“Confidence in China’s economy is also high, with 68 per cent of respondents expecting the local economy to grow
in 2016.
“This positive outlook is translating into jobs, with 48 per cent of Beijing’s small business sector reporting that they
increased employee numbers in the past 12 months, well above the survey average of 33 per cent.
“Beijing’s small businesses are the second most likely of the markets surveyed to innovate, with 41 per cent of
respondents expecting to introduce a new product, service or process in the next 12 months that is unique to China
or the world, well above the survey average of 22 per cent.
“Small businesses in Beijing are also taking advantage of the large and growing online marketplace and with their
very high uptake of social media, are well-placed to out-compete less nimble and tech savvy competitors in China
and elsewhere.”
“The range of initiatives China’s government has implemented or is implementing to encourage growth and
innovation, such as the Belt and Road initiative, the promotion of mass entrepreneurship and innovation, and the
‘Made in China 2025’ plan should further inculcate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship amongst Beijing’s
small businesses. Such a culture should help drive the next phase of China’s economic growth story.”
Key findings from the survey for Beijing include:
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36 per cent of respondents stated that improved business management had a major positive impact on
their business in the past 12 months, compared with the survey average of 25 per cent
44 per cent of respondents expect to grow their e-commerce presence to a large extent, compared with the
survey average of 32 per cent
91 per cent of respondents earned revenue from online sales, compared with the survey average of 69 per
cent
The CPA Australia Asia Pacific Small Business Survey provides annual insights into the views of small businesses
across the region and form part of a longitudinal study that began in 2009.
Survey available at www.cpaaustralia.com.au. For a snap shot of results click here. For full report click here.
-ENDS-
Media contact: Stuart Dignam on +61 434 003 911 or [email protected]